Dieter’s Instant Analysis: Nick Mullens was great vs. New York, but the 49ers don’t have a QB controversy
San Francisco 49ers' backup quarterback Nick Mullens threw for 343 yards against the Giants, but he's not taking Jimmy Garoppolo's starting job just yet.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
There’s no quarterback controversy in San Francisco. When Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy again, he will be under center for the 49ers.
Nick Mullens had a strong game Sunday, throwing for 343 yards and a touchdown in a 36-9 win, but I can assure you that stat line says more about the Niners’ opponent, the New York Giants, than it says about the 49ers’ backup quarterback.
The Giants, simply put, stink, and 49ers head coach and offensive play-caller Kyle Shanahan made easy work of their slow linebackers and a defensive line that plays an antiquated two-gap system. Mullens had big windows to throw into all game and, to his credit, he took advantage of them. He deserves a week’s worth of plaudits for that.
But beating the Giants doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things for a team that’s trying to win the Super Bowl.
Now, perhaps Mullens’ performance allows the 49ers to keep Garoppolo and his injured ankle on the mend for next week’s game against the Eagles. Nothing wrong with that. Mullens is more than capable of guiding the Niners against another bad team. Yes, the Eagles are bad.
That’s the convenience of having a good backup quarterback — a status Mullens held before Sunday’s game but feels all the more solidified after it.
But not every opponent will be significantly worse than the 49ers from here on out, and the Niners have arguably the toughest schedule in the NFL after Week 4.
They need a quarterback with a higher talent ceiling.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants’ Blake Martinez, right, sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
San Francisco 49ers’ Jordan Reed, right, tries to grab a pass over New York Giants’ Logan Ryan during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants is hit by D.J. Jones #93 of the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) celebrates with Brandon Aiyuk during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
San Francisco 49ers defenders tackle New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
San Francisco 49ers’ Dion Jordan (96) celebrates a turnover with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Dion Jordan (96) reacts after recovering a fumble against the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
San Francisco 49ers’ celebrate an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) in action against the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
San Francisco 49ers’ Jerick McKinnon, right, scores a touchdown in front of New York Giants’ Logan Ryan during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Jerick McKinnon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball as Julian Love #20 of the New York Giants defends in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers’ JaMycal Hasty runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after intercepting a pass from Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Julian Love #20 of the New York Giants tackles Ross Dwelley #82 of the San Francisco 49ers after making a catch at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers’ Jeff Wilson, left, celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Jerick McKinnon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a diving catch against Isaac Yiadom #27 of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
New York Giants’ Logan Ryan, right, break up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers’ Jordan Reed during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
San Francisco 49ers place kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal under pressure from New York Giants cornerback Corey Ballentine (25) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Jerick McKinnon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball as Lorenzo Carter #59 of the New York Giants defends in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers’ Jerick McKinnon, center, celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) in action against the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants’ Isaac Yiadom, center, brings down San Francisco 49ers’ Jerick McKinnon during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers passes under pressure from Markus Golden #44 of the New York Giants in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Jordan Reed #81 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the catch as Logan Ryan #23 of the New York Giants defends at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers’ Jerick McKinnon, left, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: New York Giants players kneel as the national anthem is played before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giants is tackled by K’Waun Williams #24 and Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers after making a catch at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers’ Jeff Wilson (30) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
San Francisco 49ers’ Marcell Harris, right, punches the ball away from New York Giants’ Darius Slayton during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
San Francisco 49ers’ Emmanuel Moseley is helped off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
Mullens sees the field exceptionally well and he plays with a fearlessness. Those are qualities that have made him, against most prognostications, an NFL player. He’s the ultimate game manager — he’ll execute what the coach draws up for him and what the defense gives him.
He’s certainly a better quarterback than New York’s Daniel Jones.
But again, that doesn’t say much. (Unless New York wants to talk trade.)
But the best quarterbacks in the league make things happen outside of those clear parameters, because the best defenses in the league create confusion. Garoppolo might do it inconsistently — and that might bring about his downfall in the future — but he can do it.
We’ve seen Mullens enough to know he cannot. Even on Sunday, there were too many forced passes, jump-ball scenarios, and missed opportunities down the field. His throw behind Brandon Aiyuk in the end zone took away a touchdown.
Now, Mullens makes up for sub-par arm strength with elite-level preparation and gall, but those two things can only get a player so far in this modern, pass-happy NFL.
We saw this same situation when Mullens last started games for the 49ers in 2018. He absolutely thrashed an inept Raiders squad on Thursday Night Football. Then he played halfway decent teams — and even some good teams. He went 2-5 down the stretch.
Garoppolo, I must remind you, is 22-7 as the 49ers’ starter.
I feel bad for nitpicking — Mullens deserves nothing but plaudits for his play Sunday — but there will certainly be folks out there making the argument that one game against one of the worst teams in the NFL means that Mullens should be “the man” for the 49ers.
It’s an argument that puts the jerk in knee-jerk.
Long-term, the quarterback job is Garoppolo’s. He’s done nothing to disqualify himself.
Now, when he returns, he will have ample opportunity to do just that.
But we’re not having a conversation about a quarterback controversy until then.
When the 49ers need to get right, they run left
This game wasn’t always a blowout. In fact, it felt in the balance for the majority of the first half.
Some of this might be a statement on the right side of the line, with Mike McGlinchey and Daniel Brunskill — both have been underwhelming so far this season — but I prefer to view it as a positive comment on the play of Trent Williams and Laken Tomlinson.
McKinnon’s second-quarter touchdown run was set up by another big run to the left.
Last year, the Niners went right when they needed a gain — George Kittle, McGlinchey, and Mike Person combined for something special. In a run-first offense, it’s good to see that the team still has a go-to side.
Also, credit to Kyle Juszczyk, who was a blocking machine when he wasn’t lining up all over the field. His impact won’t be noticed in the box score, but he was immense on Sunday.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 27: Jerick McKinnon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball as Lorenzo Carter #59 of the New York Giants defends in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
What’s wrong with Kyle Nelson?
Last year, with the NFL suspending Nelson for 10 games for performance-enhancing drugs, the 49ers wen through three replacement long-snappers.
Not one of them worked. Nelson returned and we didn’t talk about long-snapping again.
But we’re talking about it Sunday.
The 49ers attempted a combined eight field goals and extra points with Nelson, and the veteran had poor snaps on all but one of his seven, before being subbed out for backup tackle Justin Skule. It was a complete meltdown.
Despite Nelson being pulled for the final snap, I don’t expect any significant change at the position. The Niners need to figure out what’s up with Nelson, get him right, and get him back on the field. Easier said than done? Of course. But they don’t want to jump back on the long snapper carousel again this season.
Kwon Alexander is lost in space
Three times Daniel Jones kept the ball as part of a read-option play Sunday. Three times, he absolutely cooked Kwon Alexander.
Luckily for the outside linebacker, only two of them counted because of penalties on the third.
Since Alexander returned from his torn pec for the playoffs last year, he has been a shell of himself. What’s even more peculiar is that a player that was defined by his on-field speed has looked slow to react and slow when he’s running in a straight line — I’m not sure how a torn pec would affect that.
Alexander’s play is a ticking time bomb for the Niners. Luckily, the team’s backups are exceptional — I really liked what I saw from Azeez Al-Shaair Sunday — and middle linebacker Fred Warner is one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
